Insurance and Ibd

INFORMATION SHEET INSURANCE AND IBD

INTRODUCTION

If you have Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, you may have difficulty finding insurance cover. Having a chronic condition such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease can mean that the insurance you are offered is more expensive. This information sheet looks at different types of insurance, and how to find the best option for you.

DO I HAVE TO TELL THE INSURANCE COMPANY ABOUT MY IBD?

It is best to tell the insurer about your IBD when arranging your policy. If you don’t mention it, you might find that your insurance is invalid, or that you have problems if you need to make a claim. Not all insurance companies are well-informed about IBD, so they may not ask specifically about your condition when you first contact them.

Insurance cover and benefits vary among insurance companies. You should be mindful of this and always ‘read the small print’ to be sure the policy covers your IBD and any other needs or requirements you have.

WHAT WILL THE INSURANCE COMPANY ASK ME? The travel insurance company I use have been brilliant and seem Most insurance companies will ask general questions about your health. They may to understand Crohn’s Disease. then ask you more specific questions about your IBD, such as whether you have They don’t raise the price the been admitted into hospital recently, whether you have had surgery and whether you are on any medication. They may call this their ‘medical screening process’. moment you say you have a Some companies may ask you to get a medical report or certificate from your GP. long-term condition, and I didn’t Your GP may charge a fee for this service. find them too expensive. Depending on the type of insurance, it may be more difficult or expensive to get cover if you have had surgery or been admitted into hospital within the last few years. This may also be the case if you are waiting for the results of tests or Chris, age 26 investigations. The insurance company may agree to cover you but exclude any diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2013 problems related to your IBD. However, if your IBD is under control, particularly if it has been for some time, you may find it relatively easy to take out an insurance policy.

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is recommended because medical treatment abroad can be expensive, as can the cost of emergency travel back to the UK. A recent ‘Travel

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with IBD’ survey carried out by Crohn’s and Colitis UK found that 3 in every 4 people with IBD had to pay an additional premium on their travel insurance. Additional medical conditions, your age, your destination and the duration of your trip may also have an impact on the cost of your insurance. The same survey reported that 28% of people had deferred, cancelled or changed a trip abroad I have had to disclose my colitis because of an IBD-related issue. to travel insurance companies. I do worry about travel insurance UK travellers to Europe can apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that may cover some costs of treatment. As this may not cover all the costs becoming harder and more you might incur, including return to the UK, the NHS recommends that travellers expensive to get if I become have full travel insurance as well. poorly. But, at the moment, I am When the UK leaves the European Union, it could mean that UK residents will in relatively good health, and I no longer have access to the EHIC scheme. The British government is looking haven’t experienced any issues at options that would allow Britain to remain part of the EHIC scheme after taking out a travel insurance leaving the EU. You can check before you travel at www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/ policy. Healthcareabroad/pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx Some countries outside Europe, such as Australia, have reciprocal health agreements with the UK. The agreements often cover the cost of urgent or Andy, age 37 immediate medical treatment. However, the range of treatments may be more diagnosed with colitis in 2007 restricted than in the NHS, and the agreement will not cover the cost of helping you return to the UK.

Healthcare in countries without an agreement with the UK can be extremely costly. An example is the USA. Many people feel that this makes travel insurance essential. You may wish to use comparison websites in order to get a number of quotes. Make sure that you declare your condition fully, and if you have any questions, call the insurance company directly, as they may offer different levels of cover.

Many insurance companies will expect you to confirm with your doctor that you are fit to travel. If your doctor advises against travelling, this will probably invalidate your insurance, so you may wish to speak to your doctor before you book your We take out comprehensive trip. If you are taking medication, you may also wish to check with the insurance travel insurance for our son provider whether they cover the cost of replacing prescribed medication, if, for and we disclose his full medical example, your luggage is lost. history. We have travelled For holidays in the UK, you still may wish to arrange travel insurance. Although extensively with him, but also medical treatment should not be a problem for a UK resident holidaying in this on occasion have had to cancel country, cancelling accommodation and transport at short notice could mean a holidays when he has been ill, so financial loss. Insurance cover for UK travel may cover such a circumstance. the travel insurance has been If you are going on holiday with a group of people, you may want to consider using important. the same insurance company. If there is a problem, it may be easier to change arrangements if one company is involved. Your travelling companions should check that they will be covered if you have an IBD-related problem and they have Christine, mother to Alex, age 16 to cancel or change something as a result. diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2007 Free insurance provided by a tour operator, your credit card or your bank is unlikely to cover any expenses related to ongoing conditions such as IBD. This will be explained in the terms and conditions of the policy. However, the insurance company will sometimes extend the cover to include ongoing conditions for a modest additional cost, so it is worth exploring this possibility.

Take a copy of your insurance documents with you when you travel, along with a contact number, should you need to make a claim. Keep any receipts that relate to the claim, such as taking a taxi to the hospital.

For more information on travelling with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, you may find it helpful to read our information sheet Travel and IBD. IBD Passport also contains useful information for those travelling with IBD: www.ibdpassport.com

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HEALTH INSURANCE/PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE

This type of insurance may only cover acute problems. Some companies offering private medical insurance will automatically exclude claims relating to a pre- existing condition, or have exclusions or limits on some conditions. This usually includes IBD and also certain IBD-related conditions such as arthritis. However, some companies offer greater coverage, and some will look at each case on an individual basis. You may want to ring some of the insurance companies on the list below to see whether they can help you.

If your employer offers private medical insurance as part of a benefits package, you should check whether your IBD is covered, as policies differ.

CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE

Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a critical illness listed in your policy. It is unlikely you will be covered for pre-existing medical conditions.

LIFE INSURANCE

There are two main types of life cover: term insurance that pays out if you die during the term of the policy, and whole-of-life insurance that pays out on your death. What is covered can vary widely, so you may find it helpful to discuss your requirements with an insurance broker or financial adviser to be sure you get the right type of policy for your needs. Inheritance tax and other investment implications of life insurance can vary among the types of coverage. Life insurance companies may require applicants to have a medical examination, and tend to look at applications on an individual basis, so you may find the price of your policy is related to the severity of your disease.

INCOME PROTECTION/PERMANENT HEALTH INSURANCE

Although it is possible to arrange income protection to cover unemployment due to redundancy, liquidation or bankruptcy, any sickness or disability cover usually excludes pre-existing conditions.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Independent websites, such as The Money Advice Service at www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk, offer useful information about different types of insurance.

While you can find valuable information on the internet, you may want to phone individual companies to arrange your insurance cover. It is a good idea to get several quotes, because the price of a policy and what is covered can vary significantly.

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You might want to speak to an insurance broker, or to an independent financial adviser, particularly if you are considering insurance as part of any investment, inheritance or tax plans.

MEMBER-RECOMMENDED INSURANCE COMPANIES

Crohn’s and Colitis UK cannot recommend or endorse any particular insurance company or policy. However, we have compiled a list of companies suggested by members who have found them helpful in the past. The list is on pages 6-8. Please note that if you use any of the companies listed, it is up to you to satisfy yourself that the policy you are offered meets your needs and is competitively priced.

HELP AND SUPPORT FROM CROHN’S AND COLITIS UK

We offer more than 45 publications on many aspects of Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and other forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. You may be interested in our comprehensive booklets on each disease, and other topics such as Food and IBD. We also publish information sheets on a wide range of topics, from individual medicines to coping with symptoms and concerns about relationships, school and employment.

All publications are available to download from www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk. The complete list is here: www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/about- inflammatorybowel-disease/quick-list.

Health professionals can order some publications in bulk by using our online ordering system, available from the webpage above.

If you would like a printed copy of a booklet or information sheet, please contact our helpline.

Our helpline is a confidential service providing information and support to anyone affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Our team can: • help you understand more about IBD, diagnosis and treatment options • provide information to help you to live well with your condition • help you understand and access disability benefits • be there to listen if you need someone to talk to • put you in touch with a trained support volunteer who has a personal experience of IBD

Call us on 0300 222 5700 or email [email protected]

See our website for LiveChat: www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/livechat

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Crohn’s and Colitis UK publications are research based and produced in Follow us consultation with patients, medical advisers and other health or associated professionals. They are prepared as general information on a subject and /crohnsandcolitisuk are not intended to replace specific advice from your own doctor or any other professional. Crohn’s and Colitis UK does not endorse or recommend any @CrohnsColitisUK products mentioned. Crohn’s and Colitis UK is an accredited member of the Information Standard scheme for health and social care information producers. For more information see www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk and the Information Standard website: www.england.nhs.uk/tis

We hope that you have found this leaflet helpful and relevant. If you would like more information about the sources of evidence on which it is based, or details of any conflicts of interest, or if you have any comments or suggestions for improvements, please email the Publications Team at [email protected]. You can also write to us at Crohn’s and Colitis UK, 45 Grosvenor Road, St Albans, AL1 3AW or contact us through the Information Line: 0300 222 5700.

ABOUT CROHN’S & COLITIS UK

We are a national charity established in 1979. Our aim is to improve life for anyone affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease. We have over 35,000 members and 50 Local Networks throughout the UK. Membership costs start from £15 per year with concessionary rates for anyone experiencing financial hardship or on a low income.

This publication is available free of charge, but we would not be able to do this without our supporters and members. Please consider making a donation or becoming a member of Crohn’s and Colitis UK. To find out how, call 01727 734465 or visit www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

We are ambitious. We are compassionate. We are stronger together.

Crohn’s and Colitis UK is the working name for the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Charity registered in England and Wales Number 1117148, Scotland Number SC038632. A company limited by guarantee in England: Company number 5973370. INSURANCE AND IBD

INSURANCE COMPANIES SUGGESTED BY MEMBERS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS

AUGUST 2017

Crohn’s and Colitis UK cannot recommend or endorse any particular insurance companies. The list below contains details of insurance companies recommended by some of our members.

Please note that although we periodically check that these companies provide cover for people with ongoing conditions, their ability to cover you will vary according to your personal circumstances and the underwriter’s conditions at the time.

TRAVEL INSURANCE NOTES Able2travel Single trip age limit: 85 www.able2travel.com Multi-trip age limit: 74 0189 283 9501 Age UK No upper age limit www.ageuk.org.uk/products/insurance Designed for the over-50s 0800 389 4852 AllClear Insurance Services No upper age limits www.allcleartravel.co.uk 01708 339 026 Asda Single trip age limit: 85 money.asda.com/insurance Multi-trip age limit: 75 0800 138 2373 Restrictions on length of trip if 65 or over Atlas Direct Single trip age limit: 79 www.atlasdirect.co.uk Multi-trip age limit: 74 0800 151 2400 Avanti Travel Insurance No age limit but some restrictions on length of trip www.avantitravelinsurance.co.uk if 70 and over 0800 888 6195 Boots Single trip: No upper age limit www.bootstravelinsurance.com Multi-trip age limit: 74 03451 253 880 Columbus Direct Single trip age limit: 85 www.columbusdirect.com Multi-trip age limit: 74 0800 068 0060 Direct Line Single trip: No age limit but some restrictions on www.directline.com length of trip 0345 246 8704 Multi-trip age limit: 74 Direct Travel Insurance Single trip age limit: 75 www.direct-travel.co.uk Multi-trip age limit: 75 0330 880 3600 FlexiCover Direct Single trip age limit: 86 www.flexicover.co.uk Multi-trip age limit: 86 0800 093 9495

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Freedom Single trip age limit: 86 www.freedominsure.co.uk Multi-trip age limit: 76 0122 344 6914 Free Spirit No upper age limit but restrictions on trip duration www.freespirittravelinsurance.com over 76 0800 170 7704 Get Going Travel Insurance Single trip: no age limit, but age-dependent www.getgoinginsurance.co.uk restrictions on length of trip 0203 829 6613 Multi-trip age limit: 74 Insure and Go No age limit but some restrictions on length of trip www.insureandgo.com if 66 and over 0330 400 1383 Insurance Surgery No upper age limit www.the-insurance-surgery.co.uk 0800 458 0487 J. D. Travel Single trip: no upper age limit www.jdtravelinsurance.co.uk Multi-trip age limit: 74 0344 247 4749 Restrictions on length of trip if 70 and over JustTravelcover Single trip: no upper age limit www.justtravelcover.com Multi-trip is age limited, but unknown 0800 294 2969 Orbis No upper age limit www.orbisinsurance.co.uk 0127 451 8393 Saga (for over 50s) Must be over 50 to be eligible. www.saga.co.uk No upper age limit but some restrictions on length 0800 015 0757 of trip if over 65 Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance Age limits apply depending on the type of policy www.sainsburysbank.co.uk and destination 0800 316 1453 WorldWide Travel Services Single trip age limit: 74 www.worldwideinsure.com Multi-trip age limit: 74 0189 283 3338 Restrictions on length of trip if 59 and over

OTHER INSURANCE NOTES Freedom Life Cover, Critical Illness Cover and Over 50s Life www.freedominsure.co.uk Insurance 0122 344 6914 Insurance Surgery Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover and Income www.the-insurance-surgery.co.uk Protection Insurance 0800 083 2829 NLP Financial Management Financial management including Life Insurance www.nlpfm.co.uk 0207 472 5555

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Orbis Offer a range of cover options through their www.orbisinsurance.co.uk insurers 01274 518 393 Origen Financial Services Financial advisers who may be able to help you www.origenfs.co.uk explore your options 0344 209 3925

FINANCIAL ASSOCIATIONS NOTES British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) An organisation that can help you find an insur- www.biba.org.uk ance broker to explore your options 0370 950 1790 Insurance Ombudsman Bureau A service for complaints about financial services www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk 0800 023 4567

August 2017

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